and checklists..with expiration dates. Waterproof stuff if you get bored

New addition: 3 safety pins. Might add a stain stick / wipe for clothes, too

Prob the best place to start - kit based systems
Lifehacker - 9 kits you should have

Another great purchase is a sleeping bag and sleeping pad. Warm and portable sleeping.

And a set of earplugs...

Getting started check list

72 hour bag

useful planning/teaching graphic

You can always use the Boy Scout's 10 Essentials:

They’re called “essentials” for a reason. Every packing list starts with these items.

Pocketknife
First-aid kit
Extra clothing
Rain gear
Water bottle
Flashlight
Trail food
Matches and fire starter
Sun protection
Map and compass

Keeping Clean (I put an asterisk by the ones I would move to the essentials list)

*Toothbrush
*Toothpaste
Dental floss
Soap
*Comb
*Waterless hand cleaner
*Small towel
Washcloth
*Toilet paper
*Trowel for digging cathole latrines

Extras (I put an asterisk by the ones I would move to the essentials list)

Watch
Camera
*Notebook
*Pen or pencil
*Sunglasses
Small musical instrument
Swimsuit
*Gloves
*Whistle
*Nylon cord
*Insect repellent
Repair kit
Hiking stick or trekking poles
Binoculars
Fishing gear
Animal identification books, plant keys, geological studies, star charts or other guides

Cooking and eating (I put an asterisk by the ones I would move to the essentials list)

Large plastic cereal bowl or kitchen storage bowl
*Spoon
Cup or insulated mug
*Water treatment system
Backpacking stove with fuel
Large pot and lid (2.5- or 3-quart size)
*Small pot and lid (1.5- or 2-quart size)
Lightweight frying pan (10 to 12 inches in diameter)
For melting snow, add 1 large pot and lid (6 to 10 quarts)
Hot-pot tongs

I would also personally add a poncho that can serve as a shelter.

if you are looking into food storage, this is the best overview I've seen... Mrs. Wendy DeWitt (LDS)



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOLuIApyNPc

and a follow up PDF file

http://allaboutfoodstorage.com/wp-content/uploads/EVERYTHING-UNDER-THE-SUN-2010-word.pdf

...get a few books and take some classes.